Computer Programming: AI Applied Science & Prompt Engineering

Computer Programming: AI Applied Science & Prompt Engineering

The Computer Programming: AI Applied Science & Prompt Engineering program is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program designed to prepare students for emerging careers and postsecondary education in artificial intelligence, computer science, programming, technology, and related industries. Through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and real-world projects, students develop an understanding of modern artificial intelligence while building the technical, problem-solving, communication, and workplace skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving technology-driven world.

During this program, students receive instruction in:

  • Foundations and history of artificial intelligence

  • Evolution and real-world applications of AI

  • Rule-based and learning-based AI systems

  • Data and its role in training artificial intelligence models

  • Fundamentals of machine learning

  • Introduction to neural networks

  • Generative artificial intelligence

  • Prompt engineering and prompt development

  • Few-shot prompting strategies

  • Chain-of-thought prompting concepts and techniques

  • Multimodal prompting

  • Text, image, audio, and video AI applications

  • Evaluating and refining AI-generated outputs

  • Responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence

  • Bias and fairness in AI systems

  • Data privacy and security

  • Misinformation and responsible digital citizenship

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking

  • Leadership development, communication, teamwork, and employability skills

Instruction is delivered through a combination of classroom learning, demonstrations, hands-on technology experiences, and project-based learning. Students explore and apply artificial intelligence tools across text, image, audio, and video platforms while developing effective strategies for communicating with and directing generative AI systems. Students learn not only how to use emerging technologies, but also how to evaluate AI-generated information, refine outputs, solve problems, and make responsible decisions about when and how artificial intelligence should be used.

The program places a strong emphasis on innovation, responsible technology use, career readiness, and real-world application. Students examine important issues surrounding artificial intelligence, including bias, privacy, misinformation, ethics, and digital citizenship, while considering the impact of AI on individuals, workplaces, communities, and society.

Throughout the program, students apply their learning through authentic projects that challenge them to use artificial intelligence and prompt engineering to address real-world problems and create innovative solutions. Students complete a capstone experience that integrates their knowledge of AI concepts, prompt engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and responsible technology use.

The program also prepares students for the Certiport Generative AI Foundations certification exam, providing students with an opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates foundational knowledge and skills in generative artificial intelligence.

Work-Based Learning

Eligible students may participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences with technology companies, educational organizations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other employers using artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. These supervised experiences provide students with opportunities to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings while developing technical skills, problem-solving abilities, workplace readiness, professional communication, and valuable industry connections.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be prepared for continued education, industry certification, internships, entry-level employment, and future careers in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer programming, software development, data science, cybersecurity, information technology, digital media, automation, prompt engineering, and other emerging technology fields.

Instructor:  Hussein Saghir hsaghir8@ycschools.us